Using agrometeorological data to calculate irrigation and fertilization requirement and scheduling for vegetable

Abstract

Uniformity of irrigation water and proper concentrations of nutrients, for major vegetable crops (cantaloupe and green beans) are critical problems under different climatic regions in Egypt especially newly reclaimed area. Uneven field surface, deep percolation, soil profile heterogeneity, and other soil problems characterize the situation of large area in the desert. These conditions affect water and nutrients distribution. The above mentioned agro management practices requires real time weather data system to be linked with soil, water and plant tissue analysis. The Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC) has established a system that utilizes agrometeorological data to calculate water requirements of vegetable crops based on climatic data as well as, soil and water analysis. Computer modeling is used to predict and calculate fertilizer requirements as well as fertilizer use efficiency. The integrated program provides a comprehensive tool for vegetable management that is window-based friendly tools. It also contains modules for further information on the crop accompanied with high-resolution photographs. The paper describes the models and tools used in the program. It illustrates the process of information and discuss the results of the field experimental work for the validation of the program.